4. Attack on Titan (2016)

A.O.T. WINGS OF FREEDOM - ACTION TRAILER

Developer:Koietec

Genre: Action

Theme: Action ninja-ing with giant monster slaying

This is anime-based, so expect over-the-top action sequences with giant monsters and improbable hairstyles. Attack on Titan is coming to the west, and it seems as fun to play as it is to watch. Your home is the last bastion of humanity, being protected by a huge wall from the Titans, humanoid beings that are really big and like to eat your friends. So with a pair of gas powered hooks with cables and two sharp blades, you aim to kill any and all naked monstrosities that threaten your city.

It's not healthy walking around with no skin, dude. Go home.

It all occurs in a fully destructible environment, so Titans can actually punch you through the roof of a house if you get too cheeky. It follows the anime, so if you’re familiar with the story then you’ll be quite comfortable here. However, if you’re as lost as that Titan’s pants, you can just follow the cut-scenes and quick action that this game constantly throws at you. You’ll be fine.

You know you’re fast when the scenery blurs like that.

So if you thought your enemies were too small, the destroyed buildings too scarce, and your blades too few, be prepared to swing on top of giants with the only purpose of cutting them down. And that, kids, is life.

Battle System

3. Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China (2015)

Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China Launch Trailer

Developer: Climax Studios

Genre: Action, Adventure

Theme: Parkour assassins in historical settings

Here is a new spin on the Assassin’s Creed franchise. We are presented with a hybrid game that combines side-scrolling 2D action with some 3D elements, where combat, stealth and platforming are equally developed for a great experience.

Don’t look down, don’t look down…

Shao Jun is our girl, and when you control her, you have a vendetta (don’t you always?) to settle. So no groundbreaking story elements here. However, the historical frame and the integration of 2D and 3D as possible routes for action, makes it quite an interesting and satisfying game.

Plus, you get to irresponsibly burn sites of historical significance.

The hidden blade, sword combat, parkour and story makes it feel like an Assassin’s Creed game, even if not that full-fledged as the main titles. But all in all, and with a distinctive Chinese ink visual style, this is one little gem to check out.

Assassin's Creed Chronicles China Gameplay HD 

2. Dishonored 2

Dishonored 2 – Official E3 Gameplay Trailer

With a new engine that, in Bethesda’s words, allows the game to feel like a “painting in motion”, Dishonored 2 promises to give us back what we loved from Dishonored and just crank it to the next level. Who says ninja-like assassins are only from feudal Japan or a high-tech dystopia? Steampunk and magic work as fine together as they did in the first game. And now you can choose two characters, so twice the fun, right?

Oh impractically built steam robots, how I yearn to break you into pieces.

Using tools, blades and supernatural powers, you traverse the streets, roofs and buildings of beautiful and decadent Karnaca. The upgrade system has also been revamped, and you can choose exactly how to approach the game, from a brutal killer to a stealth infiltrator, with plenty of options, combos and opportunities to choose from. Best of all, the narrative scenes feel the impact of your actions, and now that they are able to be interrupted, it only adds to the experience.

Even if your experience is just killing everything in sight.

So to recap, best ninja steampunk warlock game of the year.

Bethesda Showcase (2016) - Dishonored Gameplay World Premiere

1. Assassin’s Creed 2 (2010)

Assassin's Creed 2 E3 Cinematic Trailer | Official HD [North America]

Developer: Ubisoft

Genre: Action, Adventure

Theme: Renaissance assassins

Well, here’s where the series really took off. Assassin’s Creed 2 consolidated everything that was great about the first game, and laid the foundation for the rest of the series. You take control of Ezio Auditore, a young and inexperienced noble and parkour master as he hunts down the Templars, a.k.a. the organization that killed his family. With great historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Rodrigo Borgia, you have a great game that’s still enjoyable even if many have come after it.

You could say it sweeps you off your feet. Sorry, I’ll stop.

Plenty of the now established Assassin’s Creed mechanics make their first appearance here, like the double hidden blade. But what makes it stand even now as a great game in the series is the carefully and beautifully world at your fingertips. Renaissance Italy is not only a backdrop, as you fully interact with its historic buildings, buy some history-defining art, and jump to the canals from improbable heights.

I believe I can fly! Come on, I couldn’t resist.

With a great blend of combat and stealth, it doesn’t exaggerate as much as many titles on the list, and it gives you an opportunity to feel you are part of a living, breathing world (with its own economy, to top). The game even has some mandatory parts where you have to forego direct approach and instead remember your Prince of Persia abilities, and some other cases where you just have to kill everything in sight. So even if you just decide to take a casual stroll on the streets, pickpocket random people or hurry along and kill your enemies, you’ll have a fantastic time.

Assassin's Creed 2 - Vignette

If you want more gaming suggestions (why wouldn’t you?), check out these other articles:

21 Best Assassin Games to play in 2016

11 Best Stealth Games to Play in 2015

13 Awesome Games to Play in 2016

15 Great Platformer Games for PC